Vancouver

Bear Watching

Most bears keep their distance from urban areas. However, there is a population of black bears that live in the mountains surrounding Vancouver and its suburbs.

Each year there are reports of black bears investigating mountainside residential neighbourhoods in search of food: garbage, birdfeeders and other attractants. Residents are taught to be “bear smart” to prevent backyard bears. Hikers in the local mountains may also come across black bears while trekking through the forests.

For grizzly bear sightings just thirty minutes from the traffic and high-rises of Vancouver, head to Grouse Mountain and visit Grinder and Coola. These grizzly bears, orphaned as cubs, live in a refuge at the top of the mountain.

Grizzly Bears on Grouse Mountain

Grinder and Coola were orphaned as cubs and now live at the refuge. Take the Skyride aerial tram up the mountain and wander around the exterior of the grizzly habitat to get a closer look. Or listen in during a ranger talk to learn more and ask questions. Grouse Mountain is accessible by car or public transit.

Bear Safety

For the safety of humans and bears, always follow these strict but simple precautions from BC Parks and the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of BC:

Choose a bear-viewing operator that is respectful and protective of the bears and their needs.

Bears may approach humans for many reasons; most are not threatening reasons. During an uncomfortably close encounter, stay calm, don’t move quickly, never run and listen to the wildlife viewing guide.

Never feed or approach a bear – even to get that perfect photo. Hungry or angry bears can attack without warning. Do not use flash photography around bears.

Vehicles should be well off the road when viewing or photographing wildlife.

Leave the pets at home or on a very tight leash to avoid attracting or angering bears.

To avoid human food conditioning of bears, food or beverages other than water should not be consumed near habitats that are frequented by bears.